Griffins rookies gain ice time as season winds down

GRAND RAPIDS -- A little less than a year ago, Cory Emmerton arrived in town an 18-year-old bundle of nerves making his American Hockey League debut in the first round of the playoffs.

The rookie left wing ended up going scoreless in two games with the Grand Rapids Griffins during their seven-game loss to the Manitoba Moose.

Now that he's 19, Emmerton isn't feeling as much pressure.

"Last year, I was a little bit younger, a little bit more nervous, since it was my first time coming to pro hockey," Emmerton said. "This summer, I was a little more ready. I was a year older, which you might not think makes a big difference, but I think it does."

With the Griffins eliminated from playoff contention this season, Emmerton and fellow rookie Zack Torquato are starting to contribute as their ice time increases.

In Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Chicago Wolves, Torquato scored the first goal of his pro career after seven games with the Griffins. Emmerton also recorded his first point with an assist in his season debut.

Outside of congratulatory phone calls from their parents, both players downplayed their milestones.

"It was awesome, but I would have taken the win instead," Torquato said. "I just came in and put the rebound in. I really was fortunate to put it in."

Both players said their biggest adjustments have been with the size and speed of AHL players.

"They're men, and it's one of those things where you have to keep your feet moving or they're going to hit and eliminate you every time you go out," Emmerton said. "Being a bit younger and smaller, I've got to keep my feet moving."

Torquato, 18, was signed to an amateur tryout March 18 after he had 25 goals and 42 assists for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League.

"I just want to gain experience and learn what it's like to be a pro here," Torquato said. "I'm learning every day and soaking everything in."

Emmerton, who was signed Saturday, split this season between Kingston and Brampton and finished with 25 goals and 31 assists.

This was the final season of OHL eligibility for Emmerton, so there's a chance he could spend next season with the Griffins if he earns a spot during training camp.

Emmerton prefers not to look that far in the future, though, instead focusing on finishing this season strong.

"I've just got to work hard in the summer and go from there, see what happens," Emmerton said. "I've got a lot of work to do."